Credit: Imago

Alex Charlton

Tue 12 August 2025 9:30, UK

Sunderland have a new-look midfield as they prepare for their Premier League opener against West Ham United.

Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, and Enzo Le Fee all started the play-off final against Sheffield United, and at least one of those will not start against the Hammers.

Granit Xhaka arrived at the Stadium of Light and could captain the Wearsiders, while Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki could be given the nod.

However, the Wearsiders do not appear to be done in the transfer market and have been linked with a player Gordon Strachan once said could walk into Chelsea’s midfield.

Sunderland interested in Matt O’Riley as Neil future becomes clear

Neil faces an uncertain summer at Sunderland, with his contract up next year and an influx of central midfielders.

However, the 23-year-old has decided on his future and is going nowhere, according to Mike McGrath (11 August).

The Daily Telegraph reporter claims that sources close to the midfielder say Neil rejected interest from the Premier League and La Liga.

• Neil is yet to sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light
• Interest from across Europe
• Set to fight for his place on Wearside

Furthermore, he wants to fight for his place and fulfil his boyhood dream to play for his hometown club in the Premier League.

Now, it has been revealed that Sunderland had shown interest in O’Riley, who has since opted for a move to Juventus, according to Tuttosport (11 August).

The 24-year-old has only been a Brighton player for a year and made 23 appearances in all competitions last term since signing from Celtic.

Read more: Dan Neil and Man City reject – Three Sunderland players with a point to prove

Strachan heaps praise on O’Riley

As Sunderland look ahead to their Saturday showdown with West Ham, transfer news is still flying around the Stadium of Light.

While central defence and attack are two key areas that could be strengthened, the news of interest in O’Riley could see more midfielders through the door.

Before his switch to Brighton, the Dane plied his trade for Celtic, where he came in for immense praise from former Bhoys manager Strachan.

“He will want to compare himself to the best midfielders in the Premier League,” he said via Lord Ping (February 2024).

“I think he has the ability to walk into that Chelsea midfield, and if he was playing for them, maybe they would have got something against Manchester City”.

While it seems he may be off to Italy, Sunderland would have a player on their hands if he moves to the North East, and this remains one to watch.

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